A message from our Executive Director:
The Fidelco Difference

As spring gets under way at Fidelco, we look with pride on the accomplishments that we made in 2007 and are energized by the opportunities that are on the horizon. We’re also proud of what we’ve come to call “The Fidelco Difference;” those things that set us apart and make the Fidelco family so very special.

To see the Fidelco difference in action, look no further than our board of directors. This group of people spends time and energy in helping Fidelco manage the present and plan for the future. There have been several changes to our board, including the addition of four new members.
Parker Roberts is a longtime Fidelco volunteer and John Gotta is the former president and CEO of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Neal Keating is president, CEO and chairman of Kaman Corporation and Ed Fisher, a Fidelco volunteer for many years, is chairman of the Lions Advisory Board. We look forward to benefiting from their guidance and wisdom.

Although “thank you” is so inadequate, I want to thank our departing board members, Marjorie Morrissey, Michael Soderlund, Paul Kuhn and Norm Messier.

Marge chaired the Audit and the Corporate Governance committees; two important assignments. The Morrisseys have been associated with Charlie and Robbie Kaman since Fidelco’s inception. The importance of our relationship is best represented by the Marjorie & Gerard Morrissey Training Center.

Michael has been more than a board member. He has been a friend, a confidant and someone who always had Fidelco’s best interests at heart. He is also the founder of the Fidelco Fall Classic, a world-class golf tournament that provides substantial financial support and helps spread the Fidelco name throughout New England.

Paul Kuhn, the retired chairman and CEO of Kaman Corporation was on our board for 13 years and an invaluable resource for Fidelco. Norm Messier was our New England Lions representative and an important link to this wonderful organization.

The Fidelco difference encompasses the entire Fidelco family; from our clients who place their faith in us; to our foster families whose care and attention is lavished on our pups; to our volunteers who make our Walk for Fidelco a success and give of their time to work in
our kennels or participate in the many fund-raising events.

As importantly, the Fidelco difference is reflected by how we honor your support of our organization. We are being affected by the soft economy and the future will present fiscal challenges that we must face. As we do so, we pledge to act prudently, to tighten our belt, and above all, to remain the client-driven organization you respect and support.

Let’s face it. Without you, our clients’ lives would be infinitely more difficult. Without you, applicants would have to look elsewhere for guide dogs. Without you, men and women might never feel the freedom and independence of walking through their communities quickly and safely. Without you, there would be no Fidelco difference.

But we know we can count on your support. And as we deal with these challenging times, please know that we cherish your confidence in Fidelco and are grateful that you are part of our Fidelco family.

Sincerely,

George Salpietro
Executive Director